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The Highland Camerata, the region’s premier chorus, will present its annual set of Christmas concerts on December 7, 10, and 12. On Tuesday, December 7, Sparta Presbyterian Church will host the concert at 7:30 in the evening. On Friday, December 10 at 7:30 pm, the concert will be at Brush Creek Hall, home of the Camerata.
Brush Creek is located two miles south of Independence, VA on route 21. Galax Presbyterian Church in Galax will be the location for the Sunday afternoon concert at 3:00 in the afternoon. Mary Elizabeth Whartenby, director of the Camerata, has chosen Antonio Vivaldi’s, “Gloria” as the concert’s major work. Soloists for the “Gloria” will be Heather McCall Hanks and Becky Helton of Galax, Mary Kinkel of Independence, and Mary Digel of Sparta. Other selections will be two pieces by Stephen Paulus, “We Gather Together” and “How Far is it to Bethlehem.” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu” from his Requiem will be sung. Debbie Brady of Sparta will accompany the chorus on the oboe in two selections, “Winter Wind” and the Paulus, “How Far is it to Bethlehem.” Henry Hobson of Sparta will solo along with Ms Brady. On the lighter side, “Deck the Halls” and “Christmas in About Three Minutes,” a fast paced collection of familiar holiday tunes, by Mark Weston will delight the audience. Pianist, Patty Davis of Galax, will accompany the Camerata. As a special feature in this set of concerts, Larissa Venzie from Independence, will perform two holiday selections on the marimba: “The Snow is Dancing” by DeBussy and “Villancio de Navadad.” Larissa is one of the touring performers in the Virginia Commission for the Arts network of artists. The Camerata is a non-profit chorus which has been performing for more than thirty years. Its purpose is to provide a musical outlet for members as well as to provide the community with an exceptional musical experience. All concerts are open to the public. There is no admission charge, but donations will be appreciated and will allow the group to continue. For additional information, call Jerry Ann Hall at 276-728-2158 or visit www.highlandcamerata.org.